Walk in the undiscovered heel of Italy, a food & wine lovers' paradise

In the heart of the Mediterranean lie Puglia and Basilicata, two unique and still largely undiscovered regions of Italy nestled between the emerald waters of the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas. This trip gives us the chance to explore the very best that these Italian gems have to offer, from the fairytale Trulli houses of the lush Itria valley and the white hilltop town of Ostuni, to the rock churches and caves of the beautiful city of Matera. Aside from the perfect mix of cultural discovery and gentle walking, we will have the chance to sample the legendary local cuisine and delicious wines that make this region a true food lovers’ paradise.

Walk profile

Daily distance in km/miles:

Day 2

12.0km/7.5miles

Day 4

9.0km/5.6miles

Day 5

12.0km/7.5miles

Day 6

14.0km/8.7miles

Day 7

5.0km/3.1miles

Number of days walking: 5

Pace: Leisurely: 3-4km/2-3miles an hour

Terrain: Low altitude; good paths

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Start Alberobello.

Start Alberobello, home to 1500 Trulli (conical roofed houses) that have made its historical centre a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The origin of these funny-looking stone dwellings is obscure. However, local farmers claim they were originally built in an effort to evade taxes. When the tax inspectors were in the area, the dry stone walls could easily be dismantled by simply removing the key stone above the door and quickly rebuilt after the inspection.

2Day 2Following country lanes, we walk over the rolling hills of the idyllic Itria Valley, dotted with olive trees, vineyards and trulli to Locorotondo, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and renowned for its superb white wine.

Our destination today is Locorotondo. Sitting on the top of a hill, it is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and is renowned for its white wine and Cantina Sociale, the local winery. Following narrow country lanes, we walk over the rolling hills of the idyllic Itria Valley, dotted with olive trees, vineyards and trulli. This area is also famous for its lovely wine and we have the opportunity to visit one of the wineries to sample some wine and local produce. See more images and videos

3Day 3 Free day; optional activities include visiting Lecce, the coastal village of Polignano, or the famous Castellana Caves.

Today is free to discover the many jewels of this beautiful region. We recommend to take a trip to the beautiful Baroque city of Lecce, known as the 'Florence of the South', and home to over 40 churches, countless palaces, as well as a Roman amphitheatre and theatre. Alternatively, for those who are looking for something a bit different, your leader can advise on other activities available in the area such as a visit to famous Castellana Caves - Italy's longest natural complex of subterranean cave networks - local wineries or cooking classes.See more images and videos

4Day 4Morning visit to the white city of Ostuni; afternoon walk through olive groves and vineyards overlooking the Adriatic; visit Agnano Archaeological Park and overnight stay in a typical renovated farmhouse.

In the morning we take a private transfer to the white city of Ostuni, famous for the dazzling effect of its whitewashed houses. After some free time spent discovering this elegant hilltop town at our own pace, we explore the beautiful surrounding countryside on foot, walking through ancient olive groves and vineyards overlooking the Adriatic coast. Along the route we stop for a visit at the archaeological park of S. M. Agnano. Delicious dinner and overnight in a beautiful Masseria - a renovated farmhouse typical of the Apulian region.

5Day 5Morning walk from the farmhouse to the coast; free time at the beach (seasonal) and transfer to the UNESCO town of Matera.

Morning walk from the Masseria to the coast, where we have time to relax on a beach or swim in the mild waters of the Adriatic sea (depending on the season). After lunch, we make our way to Matera by private bus. Our hotel is located in the heart of the Sassi district, a UNESCO World-Heritage Site since 1993.See more images and videos

In the morning we start our walk from the hotel through the old town of Matera. We soon reach the ridge of the gravine, the deep limestone canyon on which the city is built. During our hike we will enjoy a dramatic landscape, discovering different caves and rock churches. In the afternoon we get a transfer by bus back to Matera, where we have some free time. See more images and videos

Today we explore Matera’s Rock Churches Park, a vast protected area home to over 150 rupestrian churches dating back to the VIII century, once inhabited by hermits and adorned with coloured Byzantine frescoes. In the afternoon we enjoy a guided visit of Matera’s Sassi district, rock-hewn houses inhabited since the Palaeolithic Age, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993. The guided visit is followed by a local produce tasting; overnight in Matera.

Your images

Guided Group

This is a small group guided holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are reasonably fit, enjoy the outdoors and are looking for some exercise. Some previous experience is preferable for activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 1 wine tasting, 1 dinner

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request from GBP200)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotels & Farmhouse

All hotels on this trip have been specially selected for their location, character and comfort. We stay in renovated traditional buildings which give a real taste of the typical Apullian architecture. In Alberobello we stay in a hotel offering en suite rooms and a lovely outdoor swimming pool. In Ostuni we spend one night in a typical Masseria (a traditional farmhouse) surrounded by olive groves and overlooking the sea. In Matera we stay in tastefully renovated cavelike rooms in the heart of the historic Sassi district. Room upgrades are available on request.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required for British passport holders.
Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times. Holiday style

Activity Level 2 (leisurely/moderate)
During the days we walk for 3 to 6 hours (including lunch and photo stops). The terrain and type of path will vary from man made paved tracks and tarmac to gravel. The walks are easy, although some ascents and descents should be expected, so a reasonable amount of fitness is required. Please be aware that Puglia can also be very warm, possibly reaching 30 degrees C in the summer.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, 1 wine tasting and 1 dinner are included.

In Puglia you will find genuine regional cooking that has strong links to the land and the sea. To give you just a small list of the types of food on offer in Puglia: Bread from the Murge, durum wheat pasta, vegetables such as aubergines, peppers and courgettes, which are grown just a few steps from the sea, then olives, broad beans and chicory, all used to prepare simple, tasty dishes such as the pasta delicacy Orecchiette served with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep's ricotta-cheese, Cavatelli with pulses, aubergine and parmesan bake, roasted peppers, courgettes alla poverella - marinated in oil, garlic, mint and vinegar, etc, to accompany grilled fish, seafood, horse-meat chops, lamb, burrata (soft mozzarella and cream cheese), mozzarella and Caciocavallo sheep's cheese. plus excellent wines. This region is a food & wine lovers paradise!

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather & seasonality

The Puglia region of Southern Italy enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate with all year round sunshine and just enough rainfall to ensure that the green is never too far off. Although Puglia covers a large area it is long and narrow, never more than 30km across means that you're never far from the sea which has a moderating effect on the weather.

Reviews & community

This is a gentle walking holiday introducing you to a non touristy part of Italy even in July. It is very hot in July and that was our biggest hurdle.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing the view of the Trullis in Alberobello for the first time and also Matera.

What did you think of your group leader?

Salvatore was excellent. He was informative and patient with a few members of our group who were difficult!! He made sure we always had advice on what to do and where to eat. He was also training Marinella so had that added responsibility. He dealt with a few people who were suffering with the heat in a very kind and compassionate way.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Its easy walking and without the mid summer heat would be no challenge to some people. The scenery is lovely but not especially beautiful. But if you want to see a part of Italy you haven't been to before i would definately recommend it. Alberobello and Matera are both stunning as was our day trip to Lecce.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Walks are quite long and it was 30c plus in June but varied and interesting. Every effort was made for us to experience local dishes and wine. Our guide provided quite elegant picnics and was very attentive in restaurants making sure we had everything we wanted.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The evening walk through the trulli to a restaurant was memorable as there were so many of them. Lecce was great contrast.

What did you think of your group leader?

Charming and attentive. Would have liked to hear more about plants an wildlife.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be careful of the professors on the neolithic archaeological site, I was told I had not been listening, twice,when I asked a question! Rude to visitors.

Questions about your trip

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